michi

This subject probably belongs elsewhere, but I value your opinions and suggestions.

We will be carrying a Polaroid DVD Player** for use on the long flight from Canada to Australia. It has a few components (extra battery, earphones, adaptor, etc.,) and together weigh about 5+ lbs., somewhat more than we would want to carry on a daily basis other than when we are moving from one city to another.

We will be staying in most hotels about one-five nights. Other than the hotel safe, if there is one, how do other travellers protect their equipment (computers, video cameras) when leaving it in the hotel room? Our hotels are not luxurious but good average and I'm not anticipating theft but it does happen. We carry our digital camera all the time and it's light. Putting it in locked luggage sounds about the safest.

Any ideas?

** We had never heard of a DVD Player before. This one runs DVD movies, talking books, music and so forth on a 7 in ch swivel screen. Has terrific sound and picture. Total cost approx. $350CD + tax. We have co-ownership with travelling daughter.

lizF

I took a portable DVD player to France a couple of years ago and it was good to sit in the apartment at night and watch a movie because everything else was in French. However I wonder if you are overpacking in bringing it to Australia as the Qantas planes have the 13 channels on the back of the seats for the flight and most hotels have cable anyway. Also they will be in English so thats not a problem.
I have never had a problem with theft from hotel rooms. If you are worried include it in your insurance. AH! I notice you are coming from Canada to Australia therefore you will be probably on Air Canada and I don't know what their entertainment is like.

michi

We don't anticipate having to use the DVD in hotels since English is the language, however, the flight from Sydney to Toronto will be about 20 hrs. of flying time + terminal waits, etc.

As I remember, on our 12+ hrs. flight on Air Canada to China in October, the plane used overhead screens quite widely spaced, poor quality and difficult to see. Of the movies shown we had seen a couple (this can't be helped). There are no choices and a DVD lets us listen to Talking books and our own music as well. Terrific sound. This will help pass the time.

Are the Qantas planes equipped with individual screens and 13 channels to choose from? How wonderful.

So did you take any precautions with your equipment (of any kind)?

alliegator

Michi,

We had a laptop and other electronics with us on our trip. We just locked them in our luggage between our dirty clothes. That way if someone was going to feel the bag, it wasn't that obvious. We never had problems. If someone is going to break into your room, they are going to get items from the room safe or the luggage no matter what.

Australia and New Zealand had wonderful people and I wouldnt worry. Although $350 is alot, so it's not worth worrying about it during your entire vacation. Lock it up and go tour around. Australia was beautiful! Enjoy!

amy

Mucky

Hi Michi,
Liz is quite right, the Qantas Long haul flights have tremendous entertainment systems and some of the latest have computer games and quizes too.So whilst it is nice to have the DVD on the plane its probably unecessary in my opinion.
As for security if it won't fit in the safe put in in a locked case.
We left many items in the room in Australia Japan and Singapore, all discreetly tucked away somewhere. We have had nothing stolen yet but I guess staff who steal are out there but all you can do is make sure you are insured.
Its just a machine and is replacable.

Don't worry about it and enjoy that wonderful country.
Hopefully you will have such a great time that the DVD will never get turned on...lol

Muck

lizF

Ok this is my tip for not having things stolen.
Get all your dirty underwear and your smelly runners ( trainers) and put them on top of your item you don't want stolen in a laundry bag. No one will touch it.